[Q] Android App Dev - How to? - General Questions and Answers

Hi All,
I have been a user of Android phones since the first Samsung Galaxy S phone was released. I loved that phone and still have it in prestine condition at home. I then moved up to the Galaxy S2 which i am still using to this day, as i have not needed to upgrade to the S3 yet, since the S2 has such great support on these forums.
Moving forward to the present date, i have developed a keen interest in learning how to program Android apps. However, I do not know where to start. So far I have downloaded and researched the following :
ANDROID SDK KIT AND SITE
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html#download
ANDROID EMULATOR - Jar of Beans
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1975675
APK file editor
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1189971
Very useful starters guide to ADB
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=872128
But am now stuck on the learning side of things.
So my question to you guys is, can someone point me in the right direction, with a couple of links and resources that they have used and found really useful. There is plenty of links after doing a google search, but I am looking for peoples tried/tested/succeeded links and resources, so that I have the very best material at my disposal for some upcoming ideas that I have for apps for the Android OS.
Any help in this area is greatly appreciated.

Related

How to make an app?

I'm putting my theming project aside for now and get onto creating an app that I've always wanted to create that I do not see ANYWHERE in the market, forums, android websites, etc.
I've been reading and reading and reading different threads, instructions, etc. But no clue where to start. I've been reading on App Inventor but realized that it is very limited and I have my high doubts that App Inventor will not be able to achieve what I have in mind to make.
I've got the latest SDK and AVD Manager, JDK, Java, and have been using my emulator to test edited APKs. I'm pretty sure I'll be using my emulator to see how my app progress is coming along and see possible FCs and other issues and correct them as well as adding more to the app to make it even better.
But right now I'm stuck at where to begin here. Right when I was about to create this thread, I was making the name of the Title of this thread and was given threads relating to my title name and saw one thread that was sort of mentioning what I'm asking here.
I read the link provided in that thread ( http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/fundamentals.html ) and got some clues but just not enough to get me started here. I just need that push to get me going and eventually push it out to the market and make some money as a side project and learn from that and possibly make more useful apps. I cannot disclose my ideas here because then someone else (who has experience making apps) could take those ideas from me and go make it.
Is anyone willing to work with me here to get me started? I've helped countless people so it would be nice for a change for someone to help me out here.
There are so much Android development books on the market that I suggest to start with one of them. It's the best way to get some knowledge of the design principles used by the Android development framework.
Another method is to start with some examples found on the web. Just search for Android examples or something like that and you get tons of links
Another method is just to create something, get stuck and try to search for a solution (the most pragmatic method )
Yeah I know. That's why I'm constantly researching. I'm seeing some similarities between Java coding and building scripts in IRC (which I used to do, nothing big, just really small stuff). But my main problem is knowing what exactly are the main tools I need. I've had Eclipse for awhile but never used it. It has a lot of stuff in it and I get lost after a couple executions.
I'm just anxious to get started somewhere and get the momentum rolling for starters.
Could someone point me to a good book/ebook ? There are many out there but I'm sure that are some better than others...
If any french-speaker knows one in Voltaire's language, I'm in too. But English is fine...
DannyBiker said:
Could someone point me to a good book/ebook ? There are many out there but I'm sure that are some better than others...
If any french-speaker knows one in Voltaire's language, I'm in too. But English is fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, a good book (english) would be great. Can anyone recommend one?
You don't have to buy books but they do contain a lot more info in one book and would be better to have than trying to scour the internet and pull a bunch of infos together and try to put it together to understand step by step on how to get started and everything else.
Here's a link to a lot of android development books:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...pment&sprefix=android+application+development
Here's a link to some more info to getting started that is also useful:
http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html
You may also need to get a Java coding book to help you put codes together properly and understand what each coding does, and tweaking them to work better.
Here's the link to Java coding for Android stuff for beginners:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...x=java+for+dummies&rh=n:283155,k:android+java
I just bought 2 books for Android application development and looking around for a good Java coding for beginners.
mdonova33 said:
Yeah, a good book (english) would be great. Can anyone recommend one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
professional android 2 application development by Reto Meier: http://www.wrox.com/WileyCDA/WroxTi...ication-Development.productCd-0470565527.html
Or, the Busy Coder's guide to android development by Mark L Murphy: http://commonsware.com/Android/
Last one is more written in a "let's get dirty" style. Really like that
TheSwaggeR said:
...
I just bought 2 books for Android application development and looking around for a good Java coding for beginners.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think any java book will do, as long as it covers the principles of object oriented design and the data structures used by Java. You don't need any info about GUI programming in Java because that's all covered by the Android application framework.
The best Java books are the ones written by James Gosling et al, the designers of Java. But that may also be over the top for Android application development. Just some basic Java will do to get you started. The algorithms needed for basic apps aren't that complex.
App Inventor is a great tool to develop your android app. It simplifies the development and the editor is very intuitive.
Check out my blog on App Inventor and AppToMarket and a Workshop
http://Amerkashi.Wordpress.com

[Q] !!! What's the Best Book to learn Android Development for beginners!!!

The subject says most of it really. I'm looking for a book that will teach me to develop for the Android market. A book for beginners. The kind of book with lessons, tasks, examples etc..
I'm a complete novice when it comes to Android Development, I've no understanding of the Java programming language at all and only minimal xml knowledge. However I am very good with computers and learn quick, I've got the time the patience and the motivation + (a Samsung Nexus S & a HTC Desire S).
I know it takes time and practise but its something I really want to learn and have plenty of time on my hands at the moment.
I've done webdesign so understand html, css, online shopping carts etc.. not that that's going to help me a lot.
Maybe I'll need a couple of books one for Java and another for Android please provide your thoughts on this.
Any suggestions maybe with links (if allowed) would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.
Marc
aka - NexusCrazy
Though I've no links to books which you could buy..
Android applications are written in Java (J2SE, not a pared-down Java Mobile/Micro (Java ME) as found on many low-end phones) using an open-source J2SE implementation based on Apache Harmony along with tons of Android-specific libraries for things like UI and handy third-party libraries for things like HTTP requests and JSON parsing. That Java code is compiled and then transformed into Android-specific files in a format called .dex, and runs on the phone in a highly optimized VM runtime called Dalvik. Luckily, you’ll almost never have to think about any of those pieces in between writing your code and running it on the phone, since the tools take care of them for you.
You’ll want a recent version (3.4 or 3.5) of the Eclipse IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for J2SE, the Android SDK, and the Eclipse ADT plugin to interface with those tools and provide project templates. Be sure to check out Google’s complete installation instructions for details.
Here are some other links to get you started;
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/android/AndroidGuide.aspx
Android Developers website
Have fun programming,
Senax
I just started out and the android developer site is really awesome. I come here for regular roaming looking for answers.
They have a bunch of "real" tutorials that is a step by step building apps like a picture that you touch and it makes a noise, to this pic call app and etc.
I just started my first CS class and we are using "Java: How To Program" 8th. But I have researched these forums looking for the same question.
The most up to date forums that had recommended books:
Beginning Android, Head First and The Dummies Android Book. Although most of the stuff i read said the android site has pretty much everything you need to know and that books will help with getting to know the basics!
What about roms?
im going through a similar phase in my life with wanting to learn about Android and im downloading the ebooks to my rooted nook color now.. What would be the first few steps in just building a rom... im not interested as much in building programs... but i am a flashaholic.
The best book to learn about android development hasnt been published yet. I geuss thats just because you cant publish XDA Forums xD
Hopefully you're a pro by now, but if not, I picked up "Hello Android" today from Amazon, and it has received a lot of positive reviews.
Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt using XDA App
From my perspective I knew nothing about Java/Android, but I had a couple other programming languages under my belt. Just jumping into tutorials really helped me more than any reading material. Also there are a ton of helpful stackoverflow posts related to android, so if you get stuck a quick google search will usually help you out
Tutorials are best
Books help, but i like tutorials because they are direct information with real cases
unusualbob said:
From my perspective I knew nothing about Java/Android, but I had a couple other programming languages under my belt. Just jumping into tutorials really helped me more than any reading material. Also there are a ton of helpful stackoverflow posts related to android, so if you get stuck a quick google search will usually help you out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the way i took .
I knew C, SystemC, some bash and C++.
Started with the hello world tutorial and then i just dove in with an idea.
API documentation, StackOverflow and Google eventually got me where i wanted to be.
Then just repeat this process often enough with other ideas and will get comfortable with writing android apps.
But the android sdk is vast and i still find something cool and new everyday.
Also try #android-dev on freenode irc.
I took a couple of courses on C++, Java, and one in C. However, I really get lost when I look at how Android apps are developed. Also has anyone tried mobile development tools?

[Q] Bought the Samsung GTab 10.1 today, have a few questions about it?

Hey guys!
I just ordered the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (P5100) 10.1" today via Flipkart (Indian Online Mega-Store) and it is expected to arrive in a few days. I'm really excited that it's going to be my first tablet, but mostly because it'll be the first Android device I own. I've been living with my Nokia N8-00 (Symbian Belle) for about 2 years now and I finally have a replacement.
Along with the excitement, I had a lot of questions about the device. I'll just list them below, so it'll be easier for you guys to answer them
1. Have I made the right choice?
The first thing I thought to myself after I pressed the 'Buy Now' button. I bought it mostly for watching movies and the TV shows that I regularly download from the internet. Some rigorous browsing, downloading of music, and mostly showing off my photos to other people (I'm a photographer and having a portfolio on-hand is a good idea). I haven't demoed the device before, but my friends have all said theirs works wonderfully (granted, they own the 7" version).​
2. What is rooting? Do I need to root my device?
My friends keep talking about this rooting thing. I'm a new android user, so I lack the basic knowledge of these terminologies. Will I need to root my tablet? Is it safe to do so? What will I benefit from this procedure?​
3. What are the best apps I can download?
I want to know what are the best apps I can install on my device for my particular needs (mentioned above). I also wanted to know how I can customize my device to the fullest extent. When I had an iPod Touch, I jailbroke it and installed WinterBoard to use custom themes and icons of my own choice. What is the procedure to replicate the same on an Android device?​
4. Is Android App Development easy?
What language is it generally coded in? I have a basic understanding of HTML/CSS & PHP, a firm grasp on C# and .NET (from Windows 8 Development). I'd like to try my luck in the Android App genre, how many have tried the same and do you feel it is easy for a beginner/intermediate?​
I'd really love it if you guys could help me out starting with this new journey of Android! Thank you all!
you made the right choice.
Rooting is jailbreak. You don;t need it unless you want to install certain custom mods or apps.
Development is as easy as any platform if you have done it before, its the same once you set up the environment. Search Google and you will find a Google tutorial on getting started.
Apps:
Evernote
Sketch Book Pro if you like doodling
Photoshop Touch
Tunein Radio

ios apps on samsung galaxy s7 edge?

Hi guys, i've been looking online all morning for a way to find a proper emulator that will help me use ios apps on android. i am looking specifically in using imovie which has the automatic function to create a small video with effects and everything. I've seen many people talking about iEMU but also other people saying it's been taken down and the source should not be trusted. Was just wondering is there a walk around to this. or not possible at all? The phone is not rooted and i prefer not to root it anytime soon. If it could be done on rooted phone only it's ok tho because i have a rooted s6 edge. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks
Use HTC Zoe instead. Does a great job in creating videos.
iOS emulator for Android
You can easily find many advertisement, who say that, this and that iOS emulator is best for you. But still iEMU and Cider APK are the best iOS emulators in it's class with the fearture: they provides you parallel interface to iOS device, authorize you to download and easy run iOS applications on your Android device. Where there is pro, it is also cons.
There are few limitations related to storage capacity, Android versions and compatibility of these apps in your Android device. For information related to these cons you can check PruhTech.com I am sure it will help you out to clear your doubts
Thanks

Nowhere Else to Turn

Hello everyone,
Im very new to this site, just registered a few moments ago. im not a bot, or a troll, so please bare with me if this post is in the incorrect place within the forum, or if some of my questions seem ignorant.... because i am sure they will (haha).
My development background:
0 ... i have none. Lol. In fact, ive barely begun to learn even the basics of source coding. So again, please bare with me on any of my ignorance.
Why I chose XDA forums:
Dealing with various issues on my Android device, i have googled my problems, and often-times found myself here to find the answers. I believe this forum has some of the highest intelligence this genre has to offer. Easily understandable advice put in a way the ignorant like myself can understand, goes a long way to helping others, and i believe i have found that here.
My Current issue:
I am tired of being an employee. I am tired of waking up and going to work to make someone elses dreams come true. At the age of 32 i believe its past the time i make steps to create something I can pass down to my sons. I have also noticed that the world of business has become vastly technological. Apps are needed for everything. So.... i want to know how to make apps. From the very beginning of it all, to the final production stages, and everything in between.
Where do i start?
Can i make one completely from my Android?
Where can i find app blueprints?
Do i need app blueprints?
These are just some examples of questions I have running through my head. I want to be an Andriloid game developer, I believe i could make the next big thing like AngryBirds, but i do not have the mental know-how, on the technological aspect on all of this. If any of you can help me it would be greatly appreciated. I am also open to the idea of a partnership in creating my first app.
Thank you very much for your time everyone.
-M04RT3
Hi there, I'm a relatively recent beginner as well, having churned out only 1 app so far.
In terms of getting started from the ground up, I found the free online tutorial series from TheNewBoston pretty helpful. In particular, you'd want to look at the Java one and the Android Application Development one
Java
https://thenewboston.com/videos.php?cat=31
Android Development (may be using an outdated Android Studio by now, but overall still handy imo)
https://thenewboston.com/videos.php?cat=6
You need to do the Java one first, because you'll be writing Java code to make Android apps.
There are quite a bit of videos, especially for the Android one. You can pick and choose which you need based on the app you have in mind, like if you don't need voice recognition or drawing 3D objects, you can just skip over those.
Good luck!
a_w_li said:
Hi there, I'm a relatively recent beginner as well, having churned out only 1 app so far.
In terms of getting started from the ground up, I found the free online tutorial series from TheNewBoston pretty helpful. In particular, you'd want to look at the Java one and the Android Application Development one
Java
https://thenewboston.com/videos.php?cat=31
Android Development (may be using an outdated Android Studio by now, but overall still handy imo)
https://thenewboston.com/videos.php?cat=6
You need to do the Java one first, because you'll be writing Java code to make Android apps.
There are quite a bit of videos, especially for the Android one. You can pick and choose which you need based on the app you have in mind, like if you don't need voice recognition or drawing 3D objects, you can just skip over those.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brother youre a life saver. These tutorials are awesome for beginners like me. Funny its called "NewBoston" as thats where i live too lol. But again, thanks for this.
Everything starts with Ideation. All mobile app developers follow the design guidelines during the design phase. The best method would be to make your first app relatively simple and to focus on creating something. Next step would be deciding on the wireframe for the app. Choose the IDE (everything needed to develop your apps), programming language and set it. Since you are using Android Studio and Java, you should know the basics of Java. Create and acquire images, build the layout and write the code. Add more functionality specific to your app and do extra polishing by running your app on different devices. Finally, publish your app. Check this article on how to make android app development easy https://www.fingent.com/blog/how-to-make-android-app-development-easy .

Categories

Resources